94

103

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The Wizards started the game off playing some of their best basketball of the season, but a third quarter stumble allowed the Mavericks to take command of the game and go on to win 103-94 on Tuesday night at Verizon Center.

It was a tale of two halves as the Wizards opened the game shooting the ball well and shutting down the Mavs on the defensive end. The team had good energy and built up a 14-point lead before the Mavs would go on a run of their own to cut the lead to four at the half. But, it was the third quarter that did the Wizards in tonight as they were outscored 35-19, which would be too much for them to overcome and allow Dallas to get the season sweep.

Emeka Okafor recorded another double-double, tallying 14 points and 11 rebounds, marking the fourth double-double in five nights for the Wizards' center. Bradley Beal led the team in scoring with 22 points, on 4-7 shooting from behind the arc. Martell Webster finished with 14 points, while Kevin Seraphin chipped in for 10 off the bench

Next, the Wizards travel to Indiana for a clash with the Pacers on Wednesday night.

“They (Mavericks) came out and kind of blitzed in the third quarter. As a team they turned up their intensity and shot very well from the field. They got a lot of shots to go for them that weren’t falling in the earlier possessions of the game. It’s tough to defend a team that’s shooting 67 percent from the field. On our end we had trouble knocking down shots, getting out in transition. Our offense became stagnant in the third quarter; nor did it help that we ran into foul trouble.”

On Okafor:

“He has four double-doubles. He has been playing very well, and has been consistent with his game play. All I can do is ask that he continue to keep his physicality and intensity high. His game play has been a big help for us and I am very appreciative of it.”

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On First Half:

“We have to learn that even when we are up by 10 we have to keep playing. We have to know that we have to continue to play the same way because we get lazy and allow others to come back. That’s a good team so of course they are going to fight to come back.”

On Mavericks:

“Right away we had them so we just kept playing like that and it was their ninth game in a row. So it was just bad for them in the beginning. But then you have Dirk Nowitzki and Vince Carter who had some really great shots.”

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On Game:

“I think we gave it a game. We gave it a great first start. They had experience, they have good players. We wake up the beast (Dirk Nowitzki), and the beast starts making shots. Vince Carter looked like the young Vince Carter. I think they (Dallas) did a great job including the post, they had great defense, they forced us to pass the ball to the side and we lost.”

On 3rd Q:

“You tell me. I don’t know. I think they did a great job on the big men, on the weak side. They trap, they help, they communicate. That’s the reason, when you help each other communicate, and give effort, something’s happening. That happened tonight. That’s why they won.”